Sources And Effects
Pollutants come from a wide range of sources and can have diverse negative impacts on health. This table highlights the main sources of each pollutant and the impacts they can have on human health.
Pollutant |
Source |
Affect on Health |
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Nitrogen Dioxide |
Burning fossils fuels Gas cookers Cigarette Smoke |
Throat and eye irritation
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Sulphur Dioxide |
Burning of Sulphur Compounds – natural element of coal and oil Combustion
Incineration of refuse Conversion of wood pulp to paper |
Respiratory Problems |
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Ozone |
Chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight |
Runny eyes Throat irritation Breathing difficulties Reduced resistance to lung disease Increased sensitivity to allergens |
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Particles PM10 |
Combustion Process Industry |
Irritation to eyes, nose and throat |
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PM2.5 |
Combustion Process Industry |
Irritation to eyes, nose and throat |
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PAH |
Processes fossil fuels Tar |
Human carcinogen |
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Benzene |
Un-burnt fuel in petrol vehicle exhaust gases and fuel evaporation Cigarette smoke Some glues and cleaning products |
Human carcinogen linked to leukaemia
Highly poisonous Can cause anaemia |
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1,3 butadiene |
Combustion of petrol and diesel Manufacture of synthetic rubber tyres |
Damages the genetic structure of cells and can causes cancer |
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Carbon Monoxide |
Incomplete combustion of carbon containing fuels Smoking Car exhausts Heating/cooking appliances |
Carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of which are -headaches -vomiting - death |
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Lead |
Industry Old cars |
Cumulative poisoning Affects children’s concentration and leaning abilities |